Course Description

CMI 100. Introduction to the Creative Media Industry – 3 cr.
This class is an introductory course for students interesting in learning about the creative media industry and the Creative Media Institute. It offers a broad-stroked view of the entire industry including Marketing, Production, Budgets, Jobs, New Media Literacy, and Industry Standards. Students will listen to experts in the field, get involved in open discussions about the industry and then use new information to complete hands-on assignments in the laboratory. Restricted to: Main campus only.CMI 101. History of Cinema – 3 cr.
An introduction to cinema’s history looking at each aspect of film from inception to current development. It focuses on the historical aspects of sound production, cinematography, technological advances, music scoring, foley, animation, and narrative development. Students will see examples of movies throughout the semester and will take part in discussions.CMI 200. Sound Design 1 – 3 cr.
Focuses on the techniques for creating, recording and manipulating sounds through challenging sound design projects. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 205. Cinematography I – 3 cr.
Theories and techniques of visual design in videography and the aesthetics of lighting. Restricted to: Main campus only. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 214. Acting for Film – 3 cr.
Techniques for film and television acting. Differences between film and live theater acting; How film performances are created among actor, director, writer, cinematographer, and editor. Restricted to: Main campus only. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 216. Editing I – 3 cr.
Focuses on individual editing skills including capture, interface, basic cuts, and transitions. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 230. Developing the Animated Project – 3 cr.
Course addresses elements of the production and development processes for animated projects. Concept, story, character development and storyboarding will be covered as well as layout, sound, voice recording and basic concepts of editing and timing. Students will develop an animated project for future production. Restricted to: Main campus only. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 231. History of Animation – 3 cr.
Explores the history of Animation as an art form and industry through readings, screenings, lecture and periodic guest speakers. Restricted to: Main campus only. Restricted to DFM, ANVE majors.CMI 232. Storyboarding – 3 cr.
Examines effective writing principles for creating storyboards that communicate the overall picture of a project, timing, scene complexity, emotion and resource requirements. Restricted to: Main campus only.CMI 233. Light, Shade, Render – 3 cr.
This course will explore the theory and practice of 3D lighting and rendering methodologies. Techniques covered will implement cameras, lighting sources, textures, surface-mapping and algorithmic rendering to produce stylized and photo realistic images. Topics covered will include direct and indirect lighting, shaders that simulate physical substances and effects, rendering multiple passes and simulating physical lens effects. Prerequisite(s): CMI 260, CMI 280, or Consent of Instructor. Restricted to: Main campus only. Restricted to DFM, ANVE majors.
CMI 235. Narrative: Principles of Story Across the Media – 3 cr.
Examines the various strategies of written and visual storytelling, narrative structure and its principle components (plot, theme, character, imagery, symbolism, point of view), with an attempt to connect them to elements of contemporary forms of media expression, including screenwriting, playwriting, writing for documentaries and animation, etc. Prerequisite(s): Major standing or consent of instructor. Restricted to: Main campus only. Crosslisted with: ENGL 235CMI 250. Beginning 2-D Animation – 3 cr.
Learn the basics of digital 2D animation by creating an animated short from a storyboarded scene using professional animation, imaging, and editing software. Prerequisite(s): ART 150. Restricted to: Main campus only. Restricted to CMI majors.CMI 260. Foundations of 3D Animation – 3 cr.
The objective of this course is to provide a hands-on overview of the 3D animation production process. Students will be introduced to basic story development and the creation of computer generated assets and cinematic sequences. The course will survey specialty areas of digital animation and various software and techniques applied in entertainment and information media. Prerequisite(s): CMI 235, CMI 232 or consent of instructor. Restricted to: Main campus only. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 270. Rigging for 3D Animation – 3 cr.
This course will introduce principles and practices of current rigging for 3D animation. Students will develop fundamental methods necessary to create character rigs. Students will learn aesthetic, technical, and optimization concepts as they apply to organic and mechanical designs. Topics will include: hierarchies, constraints, deformation rigging, skeleton creation, skinning, forward and inverse kinematics, controls, and body and facial rigging. Prerequisite(s): CMI 290. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 271. Rigging for 2D Animation – 3 cr.
Students will learn how to build and animate digital “cut-out” characters using several different techniques including bones, puppet pins, and keyframing. This technique, also referred to as “flash” style, has established itself as an increasingly popular alternative to cell based character animation in film, TV, and web production studios all over the world. Prerequisite(s): CMI 250. Restricted to: Main campus only. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 280. Modeling – 3 cr.
This course will introduce 3D modeling methods and current practices. Students will learn preliminary and detailed modeling techniques using industry standard software. Methods will emphasize formal and functional aspects of modeling as they apply to mechanical, organic, and sculpted topology for application in animation, games, and information media. Restricted to: Main campus only. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 290. 3-D Animation – 3 cr.
Overview of the essentials and principles of 3D animation; creative methods for using industry standard tools to produce the illusion of movement for storytelling. Topics include, keyframe and curve animation, kinematics, cycle animation, camera animation, deformers, and constraints. Prerequisite(s): CMI 260, CMI 250 or consent of instructor. Restricted to: Main campus only.CMI 301. Sound Design II – 3 cr.
Mixing and balancing dialogue, sound effects and music in postproduction. Study the role of sound effects, foley, soundtrack choices, and music supervision. Prerequisite: CMI 200
CMI 303. Cinema Review and Critique – 3 cr.
This course is for the student who wants to learn to be a more active, intelligent film viewer. It encourages critical thinking about films and educates students on how to write a film review. Students will meet in the movie theater to watch essential films that serious movie watchers should see from classic motion pictures, to current release major motion pictures, independent films and world cinema features. The course will serve as a guide to the illuminating process of evaluating, analyzing, and reviewing movies. Students’ reviews will be published publicly.CMI 305. Business of Filmmaking/Animation – 3 cr.
Explores the roles of unions, basic contracts, legal arrangements, and the economics of the production process, distribution, and financing. Prerequisite: CMI 235.CMI 308. Writing for Animation – 3 cr.
This class explores methods for, and approaches to, writing for animation. Students study and produce scripts for a range of animation outlets while engaging in writing exercises based on character and story development. Prerequisite(s): CMI 235, CMI 309 or consent of instructor.CMI 309. Screenwriting I – 3 cr.
Writing intensive. Students learn the craft of screenwriting, honing skills in writing dialogue and visual narrative, crafting dynamic characters and dramatic action. Original student scripts will be performed and discussed in class. Prerequisite(s): ENGL/CMI 235 or consent of instructor. Crosslisted with: ENGL 309 and THTR 306.CMI 310. Cinematography II – 3 cr.
Advanced tools of the cinematographer, lighting and composition techniques. Artistic and technological elements of cinematography. Prerequisite(s): CMI 205, CMT 205.Restricted to DFM, ANVE majors.CMI 311. Editing II – 3 cr.
Advanced techniques in digital films using professional non-linear editing systems. Prerequisite: CMI 216CMI 315. Adventures in Genre – 3 cr.
Students learn storytelling strategies for the screen by studying various structural genres and components of screenplays and films. Utilizing these strategies, students develop a number of their own original screenplay ideas. Additionally, pitch workshops are held and students learn to present their ideas in various, practical situations. Prerequisite(s): CMI 235.Restricted to DFM, ANVE majors.CMI 318. Documentary Production I – 3 cr.
Students will begin to examine the documentary genre. A survey of the theory and history of documentary film making will include viewings and discussions of notable films and directors. The class will conclude with a proposal for a student documentary project. Prerequisite(s): CMI 216, CMI 205.Restricted to C J, ANVE, DFM majors. Crosslisted with: C J 432.CMI 319. Documentary Production II – 3 cr.
This course is a followup to CMI 318, Documentary I. In this course students shoot and edit and publish work previously ‘pre-produced’ in CMI 318. Following a plan developed the previous semester, groups of students will gain advanced storytelling skills as they record and edit their short films. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): CMI 216, CMI 205, CMI 318 or consent of instructor. Restricted to ANVE, DFM, Criminal Justice majors. Crosslisted with: C J 432.CMI 323. Texturing and Matte Painting – 3 cr.
Advanced techniques in texturing and digital matte painting for visual effects, combines elements of photography, digital freehand painting techniques, simple 3D models and custom shaders, merging boundaries of realism with graphic illustration and 3D environments. Prerequisite(s): CMI 260; CMI 280 or ART 150.Restricted to DFM, ANVE majors.CMI 328. Producing – 3 cr.
Examines the role of the Producer, essential to every film production. The course will revolve around best practices in organizational design, the production process, the budgeting process, financial controls, scheduling, insurance and distribution. Prerequisite(s): CMI 205. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 329. Studies in Drama – 3 cr.
Students will draw on a group of related American and European dramatic works to examine various areas of 20th century culture. Topics will vary.Restricted to DFM, ANVE, ENGL, THTR majors. Crosslisted with: ENGL 329 and THTR 329CMI 332. 3-D Character Animation – 3 cr.
Essentials and principles of 3D character animation. Techniques and craft of breathing life into characters through movement including dynamic poses, blocking action, run and walk cycles, lip synching and realism. THTR 110 Acting and CMI 200 Sound Design are recommended. Prerequisite(s): THTR 110 or equivalent, CMI 260, CMI 290 or consent of instructor.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 341. Visual Effects I – 3 cr.
Fundamentals and principles of live action footage and computer generated imagery integration including 3D animation, matchmoving, green screen setup, keying and compositing. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): CMI 205, CMI 260, 280, and CMI 333.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 348. Acting and Directing for Voiceover – 3 cr.
Students will explore methods for approaching voiceover and for improving acting and directing skills. Exercises will promote ease with collaboration in the studio setting, written work will focus on viewing voiceover in an analytical and discerning light. Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 350. Intermediate 2-D Animation – 3 cr.
Learn the more refined aspects of motion for character animation by focusing on Disney’s 12 Principles of Animation, practicing these advanced drawing techniques in exercises and incorporating them into a brief final short. Prerequisite(s): CMI 250.CMI 360. Previsualization – 3 cr.
Implements 3D animation tools in preproduction shot and sequence design for motion picture and broadcast industries; including 3D storyboarding, technical planning and editing basics. LC Campus Only. Prerequisite(s): CMI 260, CMI 280, and CMI 290 or consent of instructor.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 361. After Effects: 2D Compositing and EFX – 3 cr. (3P)
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the powerful compositing and special effects tools of Adobe After Effects for 2D, traditional animation. Students will learn how to assemble an existing un-rendered animation into a final piece with advanced 3D lighting, spacing, and digital effects so that it can achieve a dynamic, professionally rendered look.CMI 365. Character Design and Development – 3 cr.
Digital character design for the entertainment industry. Provides insight into the process of creating iconic characters. Traditional and contemporary character designers are explored. Industry workflow is introduced and necessary skills are developed to design detailed 3D characters from concept through production. Prerequisite(s): CMI 250, CMI 260 and CMI 280, or consent of instructor.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 395. Directing I – 3 cr.
Study and application through short scene work of basic tools of director and of relationships with actors, designers, playwright, and stage manager. Interpreting as well as organizing. Prerequisite(s): CMI 205, CMI 216, CMI 235, CMI 232.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 396. Directing II – 3 cr.
Addresses pre-production concerns including script breakdown, casting ground plans and coverage. The criteria employed when selecting the creative team including a director of photography, art director, light, sound and wardrobe designers. Introduction to budgeting, scheduling, and script breakdowns. Prerequisite: CMI 395CMI 397. Practicum – 1-3 cr.
Practical application of student’s field of study in a project environment. Consent of instructor required.CMI 398. Special Topics – 1-3 cr.
Course addresses specific subjects and issues as identified by department. Topics and credits to be announced in the Schedule of classes. May be repeated up to 9 credits.CMI 400. Directed Studies – 1-6 cr.
Directed study course in CMI under the supervision of a CMI faculty member. May be repeated up to 9 credits.CMI 401. Motion Capture Techniques – 3 cr.
Implement industry standard MOCAP techniques to capture and integrate performance for movie making and 3D animation and game production. Prerequisite(s): CMI 260, CMI 290 and CMI 270.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 420. Short Film Production – 3 cr.
Students work in teams with rotating crews to write, produce, direct and edit individual and group projects-ultimately demonstrating growing confidence with production equipment and professional practices. May be taken up to 6 credits. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): CMI 200, CMI 216, CMI 205, CMI 235, CMI 309 and CMI 395. Pre/Corequisite(s): CMI 328.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 433. 3-D Sets and Environments – 3 cr.
Digital environment design and creation for movies and games from concept to production; including illustration, modeling, matte painting, texturing, lighting, rendering, integration, and camera projection. Prerequisite(s): CMI 260, CMI 280, and CMI 233 or consent of instructor.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 441. Visual Effects II – 3 cr.
Advanced integration of live action footage and computer generated imagery, including high dynamic range imagery, photogrammetry, compositing, 3D animation and rendering. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): CMI 341.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 450. Advanced 2-D Animation – 3 cr.
Advanced techniques in two dimensional animation including motion graphics and integration of live action. Prerequisite: CMI 350CMI 451. Effects Animation & Dynamic Simulation – 3 cr.
Overview of 3D dynamic simulations and effects. Creative projects and practical examples including fluids, particles, fields, soft body, and rigid body techniques. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): CMI 260, CMI 280, CMI 290 or permission of instructor.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 460. Technical Direction for Animation – 3 cr.
Principles and practices of current animation technical development. Preliminary and detailed technical design, including advanced rigging, UI customization, Mel scripting, expressions, rendering systems, and pipeline development. Prerequisite(s): CMI 260 and CMI 280, CMI 270, CMI 290 or consent of instructor.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 470. Short 2-D Animation Production – 3 cr.
This is a full-scale animation production class where students will be divided into teams according to the animation skills they have demonstrated in the beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes. Each team member will specialize in one important facet of the production process: character animation, background painting, technical direction, coloring, or story development and storyboarding. 4 to 8 minute animated shorts will be produced. Prerequisite(s): CMI 450, CMI 361.CMI 480. Screenwriting II – 3 cr.
Students will write 2 short scripts, 10-15 pages each throughout the semester. Focus will be on learning how to take notes and rewrite. Script analysis will be in a workshop format. Scripts will be read and discussed, scenes performed and reactions analyzed to consider effect of dialogue, character development, etc. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 309 or CMI 309 or THTR 306 or consent of instructor.Restricted to ENGL, DFM, ANVE majors. Crosslisted with: ENGL 480CMI 490. Advanced Screenwriting – 3 cr.
Students will prepare a 30-60 page screenplay. Script analysis will be in an advanced workshop format. Scripts will be read and discussed, scenes performed and reactions analyzed to consider effect of dialogue, character development, etc. This course is aimed at preparing writers for the professional market. Consent of instructor required. Restricted to ENGL, DFM, ANVE majors. Crosslisted with: ENGL 491
CMI 495. Internship – 1-3 cr.
Placement in a production facility and supervised experience. Required. With CMI advisor approval only.CMI 496. Media Law/Ethics – 3 cr.
Overview of legal & ethical issues in creative media elements of business and commercial law. This class will focus on the fundamentals of entertainment law by exploring the business and legal relationships within film industries, and animation. Learn to anticipate and avoid legal problems prior to production. Key issues in the area of copyright law, sources of financing, distribution agreements; insurance and union consideration will be discussed.Restricted to ANVE, DFM majors.CMI 497. Portfolio Design and Development – 3 cr.
Advanced graphic design projects with an emphasis on conceptual development, portfolio preparation, and professional practices. Refine general marketing strategies, personal portfolio, and resumes. Define, target, and penetrate personal target markets. Students develop individual promotional/demo packages. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.CMI 498. Final Year Senior Project I: Production and Post Production – 3-6 cr.
Senior thesis will be a yearlong concentration on a project guided by more than one faculty member. Will be narrative-driven and have an end product; short film, documentary, experimental 3-D animated short, or pilot and treatment for a TV series. Emphasis will be on preproduction. Student will produce a professional quality product that will help gain entry into a professional situation or graduate school. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.CMI 499. Final Year Senior Project II: Production and Post Production – 3-6 cr.
The senior thesis will be a year long concentration on a project guided by more than one faculty member. Will be narrative driven and have an end product; short film, documentary, experimental, 3-D animated short, or pilot and treatment for a TV series. Student will produce a professional quality product that will help gain entry into a professional situation or graduate school. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): CMI 498 and Consent of Instructor.

Hello everyone! It's time for another CMI alumni spotlight! This time we want to talk about Patrick Vigil. Patrick graduated as an animation student from the CMI in 2015. He is a UI designer who has previously worked on brands such as Star Wars and Pixar!

*CMI students get into the Las Cruces International Film Festival free of charge. As of February 20th, you can pick up you’re passes at the Cineport 10 theatre in Mesilla Valley Mall.* ... See MoreSee Less